Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Monday, September 22nd, 2025, that dialogue remains a viable option for resolving the nuclear impasse with the West, while the head of the UN nuclear watchdog described talks with Tehran as being in a "difficult" phase. Araghchi is in New York for UN General Assembly-related activities. The Trump administration has reportedly barred the Iranian delegation from shopping at Costco and purchasing luxury goods in the U.S. Araghchi's comments on Monday, September 22nd, 2025, suggest a continued emphasis on diplomatic solutions to Iran's nuclear program. These remarks coincide with the UN nuclear watchdog's assessment of the ongoing negotiations. The specific timing of Araghchi's statement was not provided in the source, but it occurred on Monday, according to Iran International. In parallel to the diplomatic efforts, the U.S. administration has implemented restrictions on the Iranian delegation's activities in New York. These measures, reported by AP News, prevent the delegation from accessing certain retail establishments, including Costco, and from purchasing luxury items while in the city for the UNGA. This development follows past observations of Iranian delegations acquiring goods in New York. Separately, Houthi-controlled Yemen experienced significant damage at the port of Hodeidah yesterday, September 21st, 2025, following Israeli airstrikes. A Comoros-flagged general cargo ship, the BELLA A, was observed partially submerged, with a large oil spill continuing from the incident. Damage to docks and other docked and sunken vessels was also visible.
